US president George Bush probably has enough on his plate as he prepares to go to war against Saddam Hussein.

But a parish councillor in North Yorkshire is hoping the US leader can find time for more humble matters.

Ernie O'Keefe has asked Mr Bush to put his looming battle against Iraq to one side and concentrate on putting pressure on Prime Minister Tony Blair over delays in replacing a local bridge.

Creet's Bridge at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, was partially washed away by floods more than two years ago and since then its future has been tied up in red tape.

Coun O'Keefe has campaigned for the bridge to be replaced by a wider crossing and has organised a petition backing his calls. Other people wanted the bridge restored to its original width.

The parish councillor decided to call in the White House chief because he was so frustrated with delays in replacing the old bridge, closed to traffic and bypassed by a temporary crossing.

He said: "I have asked Mr Bush to bring his influence to bear on the British Government for some action.

"It seems to me he is the only one who can influence our Government at the moment."

For good measure, he has also sent a letter to Mr Blair asking for an end to the delay.

Campaigners wanting the bridge widened by six feet have already won backing from local parish councils, Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

But a protest from English Heritage led to the widening scheme being referred to the Government's regional office in Leeds. English Heritage is resisting any alterations to the Grade II-listed bridge.

The bridge, which crosses Kex Beck, dates from the 18th Century.

English Heritage insists it must be rebuilt exactly as it was.